Draper water park in the works

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A neighborhood water park is under construction in Draper and might be open as early as May.

Cowabunga Bay will be the alternative to a family spending hundreds of dollars for a trip to an amusement park, said Shane Huish, co-owner of Seattle-based Huish Entertainment Group.

"You [won't] feel like you have to spend the whole day at the park to get your money's worth," Huish said.

The 2-acre park with nine slides and hundreds of interactive water features is projected to cost $50 for a family of four, Huish said, adding that he wants the park to have a reasonable admission so families can have a "great time" on a whim for a few hours.

It will be at 12047 S. Factory Outlet Drive, on the northeast corner of the Factory Stores of America outlet mall. The park's theme will be a beach setting with surfing decor, Huish said.

The park went through two public hearings; its permits have all been approved by Draper, according to Assistant City Manager David Dobbins.

He said the company was interested in having the park in Draper because of its central location between Salt Lake and Utah counties, and because the site is close to Interstate 15.

"It's a great addition," Dobbins said, adding that the park will give residents another outing option and also attract visitors to Draper.

Huish Entertainment Group is the park's owner, developer and operator. The company was started by Huish's father about 50 years ago when he opened his first miniature golf course in Utah County.

The father of two sons who lives in Sandy declined to disclose the project's estimated cost.

What to expect » Free parking at the Factory Stores of America outlet mall. Interactive water features, including: nine water slides, from beginners to advance; 37 water guns; 25 tipping buckets; 10 water wheels; and a 400-foot lazy river.

Did you know? » "Cowabunga" is the surfer slang word for awesome.

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